Multi-Use Trails

Alexandria has a terrific trail system with over 20 miles throughout the City! From historic sites along the Mt. Vernon Trail to new developments along the Potomac Yard Trail, there is something for everyone!
Page updated on October 12, 2023 at 10:13 AM

Trail Network

Alexandria has a great network of trails. Click the links below to learn more about each trail!

Trail News and Events

National Park Service Planning Improvements to Mount Vernon Trail

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comment on plans to improve the southern portion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (in Fairfax County) and the Mount Vernon Trail (in Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax). The project would improve safety and address maintenance needs along the parkway and the trail. A virtual public meeting will be held on December 6, and comments will be accepted through Jan. 4. For more information, visit the project webpage.

South parkway and Mount Vernon Trail Project Map

PORTIONS OF HOLMES RUN TRAIL TEMPORARILY CLOSED

Portions of Holmes Run Trail are currently closed due to damage from historic flooding.

FOUR MILE RUN PARK TRAIL BRIDGE TEMPORARILY CLOSED

The Four Mile Run Park Trail bridge has been temporarily closed due to structural deficiencies.

Four Mile Run Trail Closure at S. Glebe Road and W. Glebe Road

The segment of the Four Mile Run trail at the intersection of South Glebe Road and West Glebe Road will remain closed from the week of June 13, 2022, until Spring 2023, as part of the West Glebe Road Bridge reconstruction project. Trail users should stay on the upper trail next to South Glebe Road and South Four Mile Run for about 0.25 miles to reconnect with the trail. Signs will be posted to direct traffic.

Trail Etiquette

Here are a few suggestions to ensure that everyone enjoys their time on Alexandria’s trails:

  1. Share the Trail. Slower trail users such as walkers and runners have the right of way. It is important for bicyclists to maintain safe speeds for the benefit of all trail users.
  2. Ride on the right, pass on the left. When passing, make sure there is ample space to do so and notify others of your intent to pass either verbally or with a bell.
  3. Obey traffic signs and signals including stop signs and traffic lights.
  4. If you need to stop, step off the trail so you don’t block other users.
  5. Be alert for obstacles in the trail such as debris, potholes, grates, trail users, etc.
  6. Keep an open ear! It is unlawful to operate a bicycle while using headphones on or in both ears (VA 46.2-1078).
  7. Do not disturb vegetation or wildlife.
  8. Most importantly, have fun!

Trail Profiles

BACKLICK RUN TRAIL

Description: The 0.7 mile Backlick Run Trail connects Ben Brenman Park to Armistead Boothe Park via Backlick Run. The trail runs along the Cameron Station Linear Park and provides access to the Holmes Run Trail Network.

Photos of the Backlick trail

Projects:  There are currently no planned projects.

BEAUREGARD TRAIL

The Beauregard Trail is a future trail with design beginning in 2021. This project was recommended in the Alexandria Mobility Plan and the Beauregard Small Area Plan. 

Projects:

EISENHOWER AVENUE TRAIL

Description: The Eisenhower Avenue Trail extends 1.8 miles from Cameron Run Regional Park east towards the Eisenhower Metro Station. The Trail ends near the Metro Station at Stovall Street. The trail also connects to the Holmes Run Trail to the west.

Photos of the Eisenhower trail

Projects: There are currently no planned projects.

FOUR MILE RUN PARK TRAIL

Description: The Four Mile Run Park Trail is a 1.1 mile trail which connects to the Potomac Yard Trail, the Mount Vernon Trail, and Arlington's Four Mile Run Trail. The trail runs through Four Mile Run Park, which features athletic facilities, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more.

Photos of the Four Mile Run Park trail

Projects: 

HOLMES RUN TRAIL

Description: The Holmes Run Trail is a 3.1 mile long section of trail extending between Cameron Run Regional Park (and the Eisenhower Avenue Trail), Dora Kelly Nature Park, and the Holmes Run Park. This trail provides connections to N Pickett St, N Van Dorn St, N Beauregard St, and to Arlington.

Photos of the Holmes Run Trail

News: Due to historic flooding in Alexandria in 2019, portions of Holmes Run Trail are currently closed. For more information, click here.

Projects:

  • Holmes Run Trail Repairs Project
  • Holmes Run Trail Chambliss Crossing
  • Holmes Run Trail in Dora Kelly Park and North Chambliss Street trail transition, near Larstan Drive

MT. VERNON TRAIL

Description: 5.6 miles of the 18 mile long Mount Vernon Trail runs through Alexandria. The Trail runs alongside the Potomac River and connects George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island. The scenic trail also connects to several regional trails including the Four Mile Run Park Trail and Potomac Yard Trail.

Photos of the Mt. Vernon trail

Projects:

POTOMAC YARD TRAIL

Description: The 2.1 mile Potomac Yard Trail runs from the Braddock Road Metro Station North along Potomac Ave to connect with the Four Mile Run Trail. This trail features exercise equipment, basketball courts, tennis courts, and numerous playgrounds.

Photos of the Potomac Yard trail

Projects: There are currently no planned projects.

OLD CAMERON RUN TRAIL

The Old Cameron Run Trail is a future trail with design beginning in 2017.  A Feasibility Study was completed in 2016 which recommended a preferred trail alignment and projected costs.  The City used this study to apply for grant funding to continue to design and construct the trail and was awarded funding through the Federal Smart Scale program.

Projects: 

 

MOUNT JEFFERSON PARK TRAIL

The Mount Jefferson Park Trail starts at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Ashby Street and runs southwest for 1.4 miles through Mount Jefferson Park and Greenway. The trail ends near the Route 1 Trail at the intersection of East Mount Ida Avenue and East Custis Avenue. 

Projects: There are currently no planned projects.

Trail Network Planning

FUTURE TRAIL EXPANSION

Alexandria will expand the existing trail network by adding new trails and extending existing trails.

BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN COUNTERS

In 2015 and 2016, the City installed bicycle and pedestrian counters along its trail at seven locations, shown on the map below.  The counters provide data in 15 minute intervals, 24 hours a day.  To access this data, visit the  Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Counter DASHBOARD.

SHARED USE PATH TUNNEL STUDY

In 2016, the City completed a study to identify short and long-term improvements to the shared use path tunnel underneath Telegraph Road and the CSX/Metrorail tracks, and the Holmes Run Trail tunnel underneath I-395.

Contact

For questions, concerns, or comments about the trail network, contact City staff online.